Lee Young-ja Tackles Exercise Amidst Disc Issues, Joins Ice Bucket Challenge

Broadcaster Lee Young-ja has shared her journey of cautiously starting exercise despite ongoing issues with her joints and back due to a disc condition.

A video uploaded on the 'Lee Young-ja TV' channel on the 21st, titled "The Grand Challenge of Lee Young-ja, the Big-Handed One!", showed her taking her first steps.

In the clip, Lee Young-ja was seen lightly jogging around the yard of her second house. When asked by the production team if she was jogging for sightseeing, she explained, "I promised [singer] Sean. I have disc issues with my joints and back, so I was told not to run and only bike. But they said it's okay to start slowly. I have to start with one lap. They say starting is half the battle. I ended up running almost two laps! I've completed it."

Shortly after, seeking refuge by the refrigerator, Lee Young-ja was heard panting, "Just from running that little bit..." She added, "Sean gave me a lot of homework today."

The video then revealed her meeting with Sean. He advised the aspiring runner, Lee Young-ja, "You don't need to push yourself too hard from the start; you can walk and jog, or just walk." He also proposed, "I'm starting the 2025 Ice Bucket Challenge, and if I nominate you, you have to take an ice-water shower within 24 hours and nominate three other people."

Lee Young-ja responded with commitment, "I'm grateful that you've given me a starting point that's not difficult, like thinking I have to donate a lot of money. I will participate."

Following this, Lee Young-ja cooked bean sprout rice according to a recipe taught by Lee Hye-young via Sean. She then prepared ice water and carried out the Ice Bucket Challenge in her yard.

"Sean nominated me. He nominated me for the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise operating funds for the Lou Gehrig hospital. I will do it," she declared, and with the crew's help, doused herself with ice water. "Wow, thank goodness it's not winter. I couldn't do this in winter," she exclaimed, wiping herself down. She then nominated "Hong Hyun-hee and Jeon Jaceon's family, including Jun-beom! Hyuni, Jaceon, and even Jun-beom! The three of them, do it in the bathhouse!"

Lee Young-ja is a highly respected South Korean comedian and television personality, celebrated for her sharp wit and relatable humor. Her career spans decades, during which she has become a household name through various hit variety shows. She is also known for her role as a mentor figure, offering insightful advice and encouragement to younger entertainers and her fans alike.